Holidays Greetings from the Mezzanine!

Like most busy and productive workplaces, the NLM celebrates those times when social events intersect with everyday work. Just now, we are pausing to celebrate the Judeo-Christian holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah. Decorations are up, treats are appearing, and everyday greetings are complemented with good wishes for the holidays and the new year.

Arising from my family traditions and beliefs, I take this time to extend my greetings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, your friends, and your families. In our large family of 10 children, Christmas was a time of giving and excitement, with crafts-leading-to-gifts, secret presents hidden till that special morning, and participation in the church traditions of our community.

Although perhaps the most visible holidays mixing religious ideas and social events, Christmas and Hanukkah are but two of the range of holidays practiced by different cultures and religious sects recognizing the passage of time, preparation for the future, and attention to fundamental faith tenets. Here at the NLM we have staff from nearly every corner of the globe. In Library Operations alone, we have staff who, collectively, can speak 34 languages other than English, and across the Library my colleagues’ ages span from late teens to over 80. While we are united in the goals of our work, we recognize and respect that among us are people who hold a wide range of beliefs and adhere to different traditions that mark the passing of time and visions of the future.

So, as I extend and receive holiday greetings, I try to be mindful that to some, other times and other events provide more meaningful signals in their lives of what Christmas means to me. I encourage you to commit yourself, at least once in the next year, to learn of the traditions of one of your colleagues–this will extend our holiday greetings year round!